In a press release, the municipality also informed that it has placed 200 traps, mainly in the surrounding areas where Asian wasp nests had been previously detected, resulting in the capture of 4,531 wasps.

The Câmara da Marinha Grande calls on citizens not to remove or destroy the nests identified by them.

If they detect any of these nests, citizens should communicate directly with the Marinha Grande municipality (244 57 33 00) or its parish councils.

They can also use the SOS Vespa electronic platform (www.sosvespa.pt) or contact the SOS Environment line (808 200 520).

As explained in the press release, once the existence of a nest has been reported and if it is confirmed that it is an Asian Wasp, the specialised company hired by the Câmara will go there and carry out an intervention in the nest.

The method used is through the application of an insecticide, together with attractions for the Asian wasp, which is "ecologically recommended and effective for the destruction of nests".

The main effects of the presence of this non-indigenous species are manifested in beekeeping - as it is a carnivorous and predatory species of bees - and in public health,, in case they feel the nests threatened they react in a very aggressive way, adds the press release.